Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver, recognized for its all-POM construction and short travel distance, offers lightning-fast actuation coupled with a feather-light touch, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid responses and a thocky sound profile. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature that still delivers the sought-after "thock"—perfect for typists who desire a smooth keystroke and refined tactile sensation without sacrificing sound quality. Both switches have their merits: the Smoothie Silver excels in speed and responsiveness, while the Sticky Rice (V2) attracts those who appreciate a more tactile and auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present noteworthy differences that affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic is a result of POM's unique acoustic properties, which deliver a pleasing and unique auditory experience. On the contrary, the Sticky Rice (V2) uses a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that yields a higher-pitched and crisper sound, leading to a clearer and more resonant acoustic profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it a popular choice for RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups where lighting is a consideration.
Moving to the bottom housings, there is a divergence in material as well, which further influences the overall auditory feedback of each switch. The Smoothie Silver is equipped with a POM bottom housing, which mirrors the deeper sound characteristic of its top counterpart, producing a unique auditory profile that remains consistent across both the top and bottom. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, a classic material in the mechanical keyboard community. Nylon is relatively softer, which allows it to absorb more sound, contributing to a deeper and rounder auditory experience. This divergence means that while both switches will have distinct sound profiles, the use of POM and nylon each lends its characteristics to individual components of the switches.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) create unique user experiences. The Smoothie Silver offers a cohesive, muted sound profile due to the matching POM components, emphasizing a deeper tone that many users find pleasant. The Sticky Rice (V2), with its combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, presents a contrast, merging a crisp sound from the top with a soft and rounded sound from the bottom. Although the two switches differ in materials and sonic profiles, they both can still achieve satisfying auditory feedback depending on user preferences for sound depth and clarity, ultimately providing distinct layers of tactile and audible feedback within the mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, their actuation forces present a slight contrast in preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience. The Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams. This means that the Sticky Rice switch may be more suitable for users seeking less resistance, making it ideal for extensive typing or gaming sessions where fatigue can become a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, while slightly heavier, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel, offering a stronger tactile feedback during use. In terms of bottom out force, the Smoothie Silver’s metric is unavailable, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, providing a definitive measure of how much pressure is required to fully press the switch down. As a result, while the Smoothie Silver may offer a more undefined bottoming experience, the Sticky Rice’s clearly defined bottom out force grants it an edge in predictability during vigorous usage. Overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) emerges as the lighter option, whereas the Gateron Smoothie Silver, with its unknown bottom out force and higher actuation force, may cater to those who enjoy a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option by 0.1 mm. Gamers looking for quick response times may gravitate towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. However, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback when typing, offering a less abrupt experience compared to the more responsive nature of the Smoothie Silver. Both options are within the realm of modern switch preferences, catering to different user desires regarding depth and actuation speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky sound that is pleasing to the ear, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature that also leans towards that coveted "thock," creating a well-rounded acoustic experience. It's worth noting that the overall sound profile can vary based on additional factors like the specific keyboard backplate and choice of keycaps, but both switches promise to deliver satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver boasts unparalleled smoothness paired with a feather-light touch, allowing for incredible ease of actuation that can benefit users who prioritize speed and efficiency. Contrarily, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a refined tactile sensation that balances performance and comfort, making it particularly appealing for those who favor stability in their keystrokes without sacrificing smoothness. Both switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but while the Smoothie Silver leans towards ultra-light performance, the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes a more grounded yet still smooth feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both provide enjoyable experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences within the typing community. The Smoothie Silver excels in offering a light and swift actuation with a pronounced thocky sound, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lauded for its neutral acoustic profile and refined tactile feedback. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the rapid response of the Smoothie Silver or the balanced, stable feel of the Sticky Rice (V2). Either way, you’ll be met with quality craftsmanship that enhances your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you value an ultra-responsive and lightning-fast actuation combined with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is likely your best bet. Its unparalleled smoothness and thocky sound create a unique auditory experience that caters to those who appreciate both speed and acoustics in their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and balanced typing experience with just the right amount of resistance, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch stands out. With its 50-gram bottom out force, it offers a satisfying blend of feel and sound, making it ideal for those who favor a more refined keystroke while still enjoying that sought-after “thock.” Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style—whether you lean towards the rapid responsiveness of the Smoothie Silver or the thoughtful balance of the Sticky Rice (V2)—to ensure that your mechanical keyboard truly meets your expectations.
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